Vaccines: Doctor Judges & Juries Hanging Their Own

I remember the day I met Dr. Andrew Wakefield. It was September 12, 1997 and he had just flown into Dulles Airport from London the night before to speak at the First International Public Conference on Vaccination sponsored by the National Vaccine Information Center. The title of his talk was “Measles Virus & Measles Vaccine: Lessons to be Learned.”

It was five months before he and 12 other physician colleagues would publish a study in The Lancet 1 calling for more research into a possible association between inflammatory bowel disease, MMR vaccine and developmental delays in some children.

I met Dr. Wakefield that day in 1997 in the auditorium where our conference was to take place as he was trying to decide what to do with a slide that identified him as being employed by the Royal Free Hospital. You see, he had received a telephone threat from London in the middle of the night warning him that if he spoke at our conference, he might not have a job when he returned to Britain. He then described to me the intense pressure he had been under from senior health officials in Britain to withdraw from our conference.

This was five months before he and his colleagues published the first article in the medical literature suggesting there might be an association between vaccine induced chronic inflammation in the body and developmental delays in some children.

In September 1997, Andrew Wakefield was a young British gastroenterologist, a rising star in the world of experimental medicine. He had received awards and scholarships for original research into the pathogenesis and etiology of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease. He had a bright future ahead of him until he examined children suffering with both inflammatory bowel disease and developmental delays and decided to investigate the reports by parents that their once normal children regressed and began exhibiting symptoms of autism after getting an MMR shot.

So, as Andrew Wakefield and I were standing in the conference auditorium five months beforeThe Lancet article was published, I told him that he did not have to speak at our conference. I told him it was not worth losing his job. I told him that I could look back and count the doctors lying on the road, who had lost their careers because they dared to conduct research into or speak about vaccine risks. I told him his own colleagues would hang him for challenging the status quo.

Despite the fact he had been threatened by senior doctors in positions of authority demanding that he withdraw from our conference, Andrew Wakefield refused my offer to stand down. He said that if he did not speak at our conference, he would always be afraid and he was not going to live in fear for the rest of his life.

And then we sat down and had a long talk about freedom of thought, conscience and scientific inquiry. We talked about fear and courage, about risking it all to do what is right. We talked about events leading up to World War II in Europe and how good people did nothing when they had the chance to act; how instead they turned away from the suffering of minorities targeted for destruction. We talked about government health policies that devalue individual life and write off some as acceptable losses in service to the rest. We talked about the suffering of vaccine injured children and their families.

And I knew then, that despite my warnings to Andrew Wakefield that he could lose everything if he tried to investigate or speak out about vaccine risks, this man was not going to stand down. He was going to risk it all.

It was a moment I will never forget because I knew the price he would pay for standing up to colleagues ordering him to salute smartly and remain silent.

Today, doctors in positions of authority in Britain, who have sought to intimidate Andrew Wakefield even before the February 1998 Lancet article was published, have declared through the General Medical Council that he and two other brave doctors, who refused to recant the conclusions of The Lancet article, are guilty of professional misconduct. 2 The General Medical Council does not operate a legal court of law; it is rather a medical court of opinion, where doctors can sanction other doctors and, in effect, hang their own.

I learned early on in my 28 years of work to prevent vaccine injuries and deaths through public education and defend the informed consent ethic in medicine, that it does not matter whether you are a doctor investigating vaccine risks or a parent of a once healthy child, who regressed into chronic poor health after vaccination. If you question the quality of vaccine science or policy, you will be demonized, harassed, and sanctioned for being an unbeliever and questioning the wisdom of doctors and scientists in positions of authority.

The General Medical Council inquisition was never about the three doctors they put on the rack and found guilty on most counts. It was always about declaring vaccine science and policy innocent on all counts. And creating a horrible warning to any young doctor, who even thinks about investigating or talking about better defining vaccine risks, to think again, shut up and salute smartly.

Today, I join millions of parents of vaccine injured children around the world, and thank Drs. Andrew Wakefield, Simon Murch and John Walker-Smith for having the intellectual honesty, conscience and courage to stand up for truth and freedom in science. You are honored and loved by many for what you have done to try to help ease the suffering of the growing numbers of vaccine injured children and prevent more children from joining their ranks.

Like you, we will not stand down and we will not be silent. We will stand up and defend truth and freedom for as long as it takes to bring both back.

January 29, 2010 Statement by the National Vaccine Information Center on Dr. Andrew Wakefield and his research

The National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) supports the past, present and future scientific research into the reported association between inflammatory bowel disease, developmental delays and vaccination in young children conducted by Dr. Andrew Wakefield and other physician scientists. Dr. Wakefield’s work to define the pathogenesis and etiology of chronic inflammation in the body that can affect brain and immune function is commendable. His work has led to biomedical interventions for children, who have become chronically ill and disabled after vaccination, to ease their suffering.

Research to better define the association between vaccination and chronic inflammatory disorders that affect brain and immune function should be given a much higher priority by government, industry and academia. Understanding the biological mechanisms for vaccine induced chronic inflammation in children and adults can help identify those at high risk for suffering vaccine reactions, injury and death and lead to adoption of safer vaccine policies.

The National Vaccine Information Center presented Andrew Wakeifield with an Humanitarian Award at the Oct. 2-4, 2009 Fourth International Public Conference on Vaccination for “his compassion, brave spirit and uncompromising commitment to improving the health of children and the biological integrity of future generations.”

I just watched a clip of Matt Lauer interviewing Dr. Wakefield. I felt ashamed that our media is following suit and questioning the integrity of Dr. Andrew Wakefield. I will continue to pass along the message of NVIC and Dr. Wakefield to all I meet.

Over the years, I have heard from countless parents who have been so grateful for the HELP AND HOPE Dr. Wakefield has given to their children. He has literally rescued children out of the jaws of vaccine induced autism. If the GMC could just put a fraction of their effort into finding out why so many children's health tanks after vaccination as they have put into crucifying those brave enough to sound a warning alarm, maybe I could have some respect for them. The manner in which these hearings have been conducted do nothing other than cement in the minds of families across the globe that they need to protect their own children because these doctors would rather falsely defend vaccines. It seems like these doctors are confused - instead of believing in the ethic "first do no harm" they seem to have adopted "vaccines can do no harm." One day they will have to face the truth of who they have been serving - it certainly is not the health and well being of children.

Dr Wakefield is a man among mice. he has the guts to speak out for what is the truth. I wish him and his collegues well for the future, the truth will eventually be proven. There are 250,000 sufferers of ME/Lyme disease that may be related to contaminated polio vaccinationsand germ warfare, we need someone like Dr Wakefield.

Thanks, Barbara. This is an eloquent piece that really gets to the heart of the difficulties and delimmas faced by anyone who advocates for safer vaccines, improved science, better systems, and parental rights. It is sad, but predictable, to watch the establishment try to tear down and destroy Dr. Wakefield instead of including him in the process that should be committed to protecting all of societies children, not government and drug industry profit margins.

I was at the 1997 conference and was delighted to hear Dr. Wakefield's scientific presentation. I have continued to look for his thoughtful presentations. His work influenced my own work with autistic and learning disabled children. Carolyn

Life is funny. It can slam you down in the face of fear, or it can propel you to find courage where you never knew you had it.They don't call it a "hot seat" for nothing. No body in their right mind would want to be sitting on it,but there's something very revolutionary for those who endure its torture--they survive!.. and thereby anchor for all to see that they are still standing, that the issue is still worth fighting for, and that fear or intimidaton cannot make the truth and those who carry it dissappear. I thank God out loud for the many courageous people who have sacrificed thier lives for the greater good of many,like the parents,Dr.'s,Activisits, and especially Barbara Loe Fisher herself.Dr Wakefield represents and encompasses all of us, who cry for freedom from condemnation, who pursue truth not so much as to "be right" but as to enlighten, educate, and benefit the wounded souls who tire of carrying unfair burdens in their life. God forgive the ignorant, for at times I cannot. But my faith and revereance are only strenghtened because there are passionate,commited,remarkable individuals like Dr Andrew Wakefield-- a true beacon of light, a visionary, uncompromised,deliberate and knowing that the truth has no opposite and that it will always prevail.

Barbara, Your story exposing the pressure Wakefield was under in '97 speaks volumes. Wakefield's case absolutely lends itself to the transparency of British Officialdom's endeavor to cloak the underlying issue of vaccine safety.

The morning of my presentation at the 1997 conference, I had the honor and privilege of sharing the breakfast table with Drs. Wakefield and Fudenburg. As a classically trained immunologist who for a decade was presenting science and information that countered the status quo regarding vaccines, I felt totally alienated from my science and medical peers. Experiencing the truth, spirit, courage and science of these brilliant gentlemen that day has forever empowered me in the pursuit of the knowledge necessary to insure what is in the best interest of every child.

My family saw the Matt Lauer, 'investigative' report. Noted that they grilled him on the 'hidden profit' question and did not ask one single question about Dr. Offitt's ties to the vaccine industry and his financial gains from his lethal vaccines. A mockery of the truth.

We also understand why Dr. Mercola was moved to tears as he spoke at the 4th International Vaccine Conference. We understand how his heart is broken because our hearts are broken... every single day... because of our daughter Jessica, now 31, who is completely disabled by her childhood vaccinations.

Barbara, thank you for this article. Dr. Wakefield is a real hero. I wish there were more men like him in the world. Regarding autism, when parents report that their once-normal child regressed after an MMR vaccine, that is very strong evidence that the vaccine caused, or at least triggered, the autism. Theoretically, if there were a criminal trial and "vaccines" were the accused,accused of harming and even killing children, any jury would find "vaccines" guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, just based on the testimony of witnesses and the evidence.

Thank you Barbara! I can't thank enough the those who risk the livelihoods to help us and our children. Thank you Dr. Wakefield from the bottom of my heart. Our child is vaccine injured and I started researching. Finding your research stopped me from vaccinating my last two children. They are our only healthy children! They even suprise their pediatricians!

Thanks for writing this thoughtful article. As a chiropractor, I've seen hundreds of children injured by vaccines. It amazes me that despite the millions of children harmed in some way, that vaccines are still administered as they are. Thank you Drs. for putting yourselves "out there".

Very good article and video; telling it like it is. The number of people out there, including doctors, that believe the mislead and intentional lies about Mr. Wakefield's work, all put forth by the medical to much to lose side, are just an amazing commentary on the level of evil that goes on within this vaccine industry. My site is. www.lowellsfacts.com

I commend anyone who has the courage to stand up and defend truth and honesty. By banding together, we will take back our right to a healthy body and noninvasive/healthy health alternatives. I applaud Dr. Wakefield and his colleagues for their work, and I applaud all parents who are actively working to expose the corrupt medical establishment and are working to give all of us the freedom to choose healthy alternatives. Fight on!

I somehow heard about Dr.Wakefields study,I guess around late 03,or early 04 because I didn,t vax my 3rd. with the MMR!(By the way,he got his Varicella @ 1yr.,and his 5 yr. old sis got chickenpox,from him,although she was vaxed,much to my dismay.They gave me the ole "She won't be able to get into school!"I had the CP at12,it wasn't so bad,but when I took her to the Dr. they didn't know what it was,I said I think it's CP,& I think she got it from her brothers vax!There reply was,well it was mild!!How the heck do they know,I was 12,& myne was mild, I thought it was worse the older ya got?So I no longer vax any of my kids,even the new one born in 07,who has had no vax,and HE'S STILL ALIVE!!!! Ihave a 24 yr.old who got10 vaxs through '87,'88,12 yrs.later wondered why so many more.Dr. Wakefields study, really got me investigating vaccines!And all the Pedis today can say is I'ts Jenny McCarthys fault!!Idiots,she just has the media!Most of us already knew this!If she got people questioning.so be it,coz the more u research,the more u learn!!thank u Dr. Wakefield &Barbera, for giving us knowledge!!!!P.S.There's an episode on you tube,of the Brady Bunch,all getting the measles,nobody was freakin' out, just go get in bed!That's what my mom said, it was no big deal!!Unless you can make money off it!!

Bravo Barbara Loe and Dr. Wakefield! You have both been instrumental in my life as Davids of the world bravely facing Goliaths!

My son nearly died after his MMR. Within 2 hours his temperature was 105. He has never been the same. It took thousands of hours of research, thousands of dollars and now, 8 years later, he is doing great.

Thousands continue to suffer needlessly because of the big pharma deceit and greed. It's time to expose more truth to the world!

I have two very healthy children. My first, born in 2005 was 2-2/2 months premature. He spent one month in NICU. Before his release, at 5 lbs., the medical professionals would have given him his first round of vaccinations. I'm no rocket scientist, but with warning labels on Tylenol/Motrin, etc. as to dosage according to weight, why in this world, would he have been given the same dosage that a healthy, normal birth weight newborn would have been given? When does common sense intervene? I am grateful for the NVIC and Dr. Wakefield's information made public. My 90 year grandmother never had any vaccinations. When a sickness occurred, you took care of your own, again common sense.

Dr. Wakefield is one of the people alive today who makes me proud to be a human being. I was moved to hear the comparison to Nazi Germany because this is so true of the general atmosphere today, about which the general public are deliberately misinformed and manipulated, and those who dare question the official stories are persecuted in order to frighten everyone else into compliance. Thank God there are still plenty of brave, questioning individuals who cannot remain silent while people are being hurt. Hopefully, the more desperately the government, health agencies and corporations push unneccessary and dangerous vaccines like H1N1, the more the public will begin to question the safety and efficacy of all vaccines. This needs to happen on a global scale, especially with the current push from Bill Gates and USAID to provide vaccines to people in poor countries in lieu of adequate food, clean water, sewage systems, electricity, all the things that have been responsible for our general increase in health. This is insane and wrong!

Hopefully, the more desperately that governments, agencies and corporations push unneccessary and dangerous vaccines like the H1N1 vaccine, the more people will begin to question the safety and efficacy of all vaccines. This needs to happen right away, especially with the huge push by Bill Gates and USAID to provide vaccines to poor people all over the world in leiu of clean water, adequate food, waste removal systems and electricity, all of the things that have really been responsible for our general increase in health.

Thank you Barbara for your fearless endeavours on behalf of our vaccine damaged children. The GMC action is the military equivalent of 'shock and awe ' and we know that does not work and this witch hunt of Wakefield and colleagues will fail also. History is littered with fallen bully boys when ordinary people wake up and face them.

Thank you Barbara and these doctors for standing up to these evils. I stopped vaccinating my twins when I heard Dr Stan Monteith and Dr Russell Blaylock talking about vaccine dangers in 2006. My will never give my twins another vaccine, especially the MMR shot.

The real shame here is that Americans will think that the General Medical Council is a court of law. This notion will be perpetuated in the media of both the U.S. and U.K. and white coat wearing scientist will have the ammo needed to say, "See; we told you vaccines were safe." What a tragedy! Thise of us in the health care profession that support freedom and informed consent applaud Dr. Wakefield, Barbara Loe Fisher, and the NVIC for printing the truth about the Wakefield inquisition. We will continue to challenge the status quo and inform our patients of both sides of this controversial medical treatment. I look forward to the study that NVIC is undertaking which will, once and for all, put to rest the dogma surrounding vaccines safety and effectiveness.Highest Regards,Dr. Mick Sicre

This whole vacciation issue is a shame on the whole system. The truth will not be exposed as there are profits and liabilities on the line. I am of the opinion that vaccinations cause capillary infarcts that preceed the isues related to vaccinations. Where are the animal studies or the double blind studies that are required for anything that is claimed regarding to disease and cures.

Dr. Sicre, you're absolutely right. The media's treatment of this issue is out of hand. There is now "no evidence" despite 22 trials, according to TIME's most recent issue, for Jenny McCarthy's perspective that vaccination triggered her son's seizures and autism. And I've heard this in all the headlines - that with the GMC decision there is no evidence for a role of vaccination in central nervous system damage. However, I have yet to hear a single person refute the science or results of the studies. Only the circumstances under which Dr. Wakefield undertook them. I'm also glad to hear from a traditionally trained immunologist. It was my veterinary immunology instructor who taught us that vaccination is not a benign procedure. And my experience with vaccinating pets bore out this observation - by the end of it, I literally held my breath when vaccinating certain puppies and kittens. I had all too often witnessed the central nervous system changes that vaccination could trigger - never mind higher incidences of atopy and fevers and breaking with other illnesses. We can continue to fool ourselves as medical professionals that when adverse events occur post-vaccination there was some other reason, or we can do real studies to ferret out the data. Dr. Wakefield attempted a real study. That the GMC took more than a decade to find a reason to discredit his work is perhaps a godsend, but it has indeed been discredited in the eye of the media, so there is much more work to do!

People are waking up to the truth about vaccines. My own mother vaccinated all of us. Regretfully, she can't quite understand why she did--it was just what was expected and she trusted that other knew more. Now, mothers have the opportunity to know more than their own pediatricians and doctors regarding vaccines, natural immunity, and vitalistic health care. THings are changing--Common sense,good "old fashioned" doctors are speaking out, we trusting our intuition, and connecting with the testimony of countless mothers who have witnessed, and gone through the heartbreak first-hand the damage that vaccines have been causing. Very powerful...Indeed. My blessings to all who are seeking the truth.

Thanks goodness we are able to report these abuses more than ever and that a growing number in our population are learning the facts. They can at least now know that they have a choice. Keep up your life-saving work!

It's great to know that there are strong people willing to stand up for this important cause. It's such a touchy subject, and I've found it very uncomfortable to talk to patients about vaccination risks. In my experience, most people don't even want to consider that vaccinations might be unnecessary or dangerous. Most people don't even know that they have a choice.

It's amazing how scared traditional medicine is of being questioned! Thank God for courageous doctors like Dr. Wakefield that still ask questions and really do research. We need to understand that not all people are affected the same by these vaccines and that one solution isn't an effective global solution.